The Top 10 Spring Skiing Essentials to Pack This Season

Personally, I love spring skiing in Colorado. The temperatures are warmer, the sun is usually out and everyone is always in a mood to party. And if you’re skiing somewhere like Colorado, where even the resort bases usually sit above 8,000 feet, the snow even stays decent well into April. So now the question is simply what to pack? And I’m not just talking about clothes in a bag. Spring skiing is all about attitude, so from crazy gear to Bluetooth speakers and drink coolers, here are the essentials I’m taking to the slopes this spring ski season.

1. Shinesty Ski Suits

I’ll admit my favorite part about spring skiing in Colorado is about getting dressed up in a totally random ski outfit and flying down the mountain in it. This year I’m going with ski suits from Shinesty. New and retro-inspired 80s ski suits, 90s ski bibs, and even USA ski onesies are all on offer from this company that also does crazy 90s style blade ski sunglasses, neon headbands and even some vintage-inspired duds for apres celebrations for men and women.

2. Vail Resorts EpicMix Time Insight App

These days packing can be virtual. So before heading up to one of the mountains owned by Vail Resorts for Spring Break, you’ll want to download their EpicMix Time Insight app. It tells skiers and snowboarders which resorts have the shortest lift lines, which means you can make decisions on what mountain to ride each day based on lift lines. Not bad for optimizing your on mountain time, especially if you’re riding during a busy period. It’s also the first of its kind from a tech perspective, as the first-ever developed mountain app that offers real-time data from crowdsourcing.

3. Stillhouse Whiskey in a Steel Can

Packaged in an ultra-portable and indestructible, vintage-style stainless steel can, Stillhouse Whiskey is made from 100 percent natural corn whiskey that has been distilled in a copper pot using a proprietary recipe and distilling it five times for purity and flavor. And because it isn’t sold in glass bottles, but instead is available in two different sized cans — 750 ml and a 375 ml flask-style “roadie” — it can pretty much go anywhere you do, whether that is for after snowboarding down a mountain or by the campfire outside a tent. The brand was founded by entrepreneur Brad Beckerman and multi-platinum rapper and producer G-Eazy and not only goes down smoothly but also looks quite cool with their fire engine red gas style cans (and honestly makes for a pretty one-of-a-kind gift as well). You can get Stillhouse in six infused flavors including Apple Crisp, Peach Teach, Red Hot and Coconut.

4. The Drop Canned Wine

While we’re talking about adult beverages, wine drinkers will like The Drop Canned Wine to celebrate apres ski with. Packaged in cans that are available in red, rose and white varietals, Drop Wine is easily chilled by snow and the can’s skinner shape makes it easy to stash in a backpack. Of the three flavors, for spring skiing I have to say go with the Cali Rose, which is light and crisp with just the right amount of fruitiness.

5. Stanley Classic Vacuum Growler

Of course, if you’d rather drink an icy cold IPA like my husband TJ, then you’ll want to back one of Stanley’s beverage storage devices. For something to keep in the back of the car for apres, I love Stanley’s 64oz Classic Vacuum Growler that features a rugged handle for one-handed pouring and a wide mouth for quick filing, sharing and later cleaning. The best part of this growler, however, is the satisfying pop it makes when you open it, ensuring your beer is as fresh and cold as when you first stored it for up to 18 hours! Stanley also makes a number of flasks for easy to access on mountain beverage carrying. Other products made by Stanley that we are loving this season includes the Classic Vacuum Food Jar and the Go Vacuum Bottle.

6. Prynt Pocket Smartphone Instant Camera

Turn your smartphone into a polaroid style camera with the Prynt Pocket. It lets you instantly print photos saved to your phone or social networks, which is a really fun feature for group trips to the mountain. But another cool thing about the Prynt Pocket is found on its app that lets you record videos inside of photos that can then be shared via the Prynt App with friends to unlock these hidden videos and bring your photos to life. It’s a fun extra feature.

7. Headsweats

I love supporting local products when possible, and Headsweats offers me that opportunity. This company produces all its performance headwear goods from hats to visors in Colorado and is a favorite pick with runners, cyclists, skiers and me. Besides keeping sweat off your face and away from your eyes, they also add flair to whatever outdoor adventure you are embarking on. Although I can’t advocate skiing without a helmet in this day and age, I do love their Bigfoot Pom Pom Beanie from the Winter Collection for post-ski adventures as it keeps my head insulated and warm when the temperatures start dropping. Plus it looks great.

8. Chums Eyewear Retainers

You don’t want to be bothered with goggles covering your entire face when skiing in spring, but you also don’t want to lose your favorite pair of polarized sunglasses when you take a tumble in the slush. For that reason, I’m loving Chums Eyewear Retainers to keep my shades safely attached to my head. The retainers come in a number of prints and styles including a limited edition Pit Viper Co-lab and USA and pineapple prints.

9. Xoopar Mini Xboy

When it’s time to take off, your gear and relax with a little parking lot apres, I love breaking out the Xoopar Mini Xboy, which is a super portable 3-inch tall Bluetooth speaker that creates a party wherever you turn it on thanks to a multi-color changing faceplate. It even features a built-in selfie remote!

10. Block Island Organics Sunscreen

Sunscreen is a must-pack for spring skiing, especially in Colorado where you’re riding at a high elevation. And as everyone knows at this point, besides being painful, a sunburn isn’t good for your health. But lugging sunscreen around can be a pain, which is why I like the travel sized bottles by Block Island Organics. They’re small enough to easily stash (and at 3.4oz TSA approved for carrying on airline travel) but are also made from natural, vegan, not tested on animal organic products free of dyes and chemicals. The Natural Face Moisturizer SPF 30 is also great for keeping your skin hydrated as well as protected from the harmful UV rays reflecting off the pressed white powder ski slopes. The company also makes a zinc only Natural Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 for full body coverage.

About The Author

Carri Wilbanks

Living across Europe and South America unlocked Carri’s passion for traveling. Never shying away from a new adventure whether swimming with the pigs in the Bahamas, bird watching in the Galapagos or Heli-Hiking in British Columbia, you never know where you will catch Carri next. She resides in Colorado between freelance trips with her husband and son where they enjoy hiking, mountain biking and skiing.